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Source: Scott
& Jones Communications/International Casino Exhibition
London,
“Everyone has been affected both emotionally and
commercially by the events in New York and Afghanistan,” he said. “Whilst
it is wholly inappropriate to indulge in exhibition hype and to deny the
fundamental changes in attitude that have taken place, our response has
been to redouble our efforts and do everything possible to prepare and
promote the
“Exhibitors across ICE, ATEI and the new Visitor Attractions Show are making huge efforts to put on the best possible displays of innovative product. For our part, we have introduced new features, notably the International Betting Zone and the rebranded i-Gaming Zone. “Whilst visitor numbers – particularly at exhibitions in the United States – have fallen sharply, I sincerely hope that the symbolism surrounding the start of a new year will encourage industry professionals from throughout the world to once again make their annual journey to London. “The weather might be cold but I can guarantee an
extremely warm welcome and a collection of new, innovative products which
will make a real difference to businesses involved in the gaming and gambling
sectors.”
International Betting Zone added to London Show ICE organisers have announced a further expansion of the leading business-to-business event with the launch of the International Betting Zone (IBZ); an area aimed at technology-focussed suppliers of betting services and equipment. The IBZ is the fourth specialist area at ICE 2002, joining zones dedicated to internet gaming, machine components and recruitment. Explaining the rationale for this latest show addition,
Marketing & Commercial Director Julian Graves said: “Significant changes
are taking place as the demarcation lines between betting and casino-style
gambling become increasingly blurred. The introduction of the IBZ reflects
these changes as leading players in the betting sector recognise the potential
of this convergence.”
With more space sold than ever before, the highest proportion of first-time exhibitors and representation on the exhibition floor from 29 nations, visitors planning to attend ICE 2002 should prepare for what promises to be one of the most outstanding on record. Alongside established exhibitors, ICE 2002 will also feature 38 organisations (over 31 per cent of the total) making their first ever appearance at the London show. The growth in booked stand space is a result of both existing exhibitors expanding their presence and new companies seeking to take advantage of the business opportunities generated at ICE. As of December 1st, a total of 122 exhibitors had booked 5,868 square metres of stand space, a figure which is 12.5 per cent ahead of the total sold at ICE 2001. The United Kingdom provides the largest cohort of exhibitors (36) with the remaining companies, over 70% of the total exhibitor base, coming from overseas. Not surprisingly, the most strongly represented of these countries is the United States with 12 exhibitors. The Netherlands is represented by eight exhibitors whilst Spain and Canada have seven each and Belgium and France five each. Four nations – Austria, Germany, Japan, Slovenia and South Africa – are represented by four companies each and five countries – Brazil, Israel, Italy, Russia and Taiwan – have two companies apiece. The remaining 12 companies are based in Australia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Finland, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Monaco, Peru, Singapore, Slovak Republic and Sweden. For more information on products being exhibited at ICE 2002, visit
the ICE website at www.ice-london.co.uk
World-wide industry influencers under one roof It’s not just the huge showcase of product that brings visitors to ICE. Over its three-day course, the London show stages a number of events which bring together major opinion-formers, politicians, regulators and legislators and key industry figures from around the globe. With legislative and regulatory changes constantly being discussed and drawn up, London is where the world’s leaders gather to discuss and create policy which will have an impact on everyone who attends the London show. This factor further makes ICE a must-do event for any serious professional involved in gaming or gambling.
This year’s list of special events include:
A closed meeting of the International Association of Gaming Administrators (IAGA) runs all day Wednesday and half of Thursday; The International VIP Luncheon and Evening Reception – each year, the luncheon is attended by more than 100 of the most influential people in the international industry. The evening reception is a unique networking event for presidents and executives of the world’s industry organisations and bodies, together with chief executives and chairmen of the industry’s major companies; The Gaming Regulators Luncheon will this year
be attended by over 60 representatives from gaming boards and governments
from 20 countries. This event has undoubtedly become one of the world’s
most influential gatherings of international gaming regulators and plays
a major role in the sharing of ideas between jurisdictions and legislative
formulation in countries around the globe. Countries represented at this
year’s gathering include the Bahamas, Channel Islands, Denmark, Finland,
France, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Ireland, Republic of Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom and the United States of America.
After the positive response to the presence of the Swiss Federal Gaming Board at ICE 2001, a contingent representing both technical and legal sides of the Board will again be present for 2002. Explaining the rationale behind the return to ICE, Timothy Cullimore, a spokesman for the Board, said: “As the first of the new casino operations in Switzerland are planned to open during 2002, the need of the industry for information on how to proceed in this new market is as relevant as ever.” The Board will be present in their own meeting room
during all three days of ICE, offering open access to anyone in the industry
with a pre-arranged appointment. Those wishing to make a booking with the
Board are requested to e-mail
The i-Gaming Zone has nearly doubled in size since it was launched as Future Game at ICE 2001. The rebranded i-Gaming Zone will feature a total of 26 companies occupying 590 square metres of stand space. This represents a 53% increase in exhibitors (17 in 2001) and a 94% increase in floor space (304 sqm. in 2001). The geographical distribution of exhibitors is equally impressive. Of the 26 booked exhibitors, seven are from the UK, four from the United States, three from Canada, two from the Netherlands and one each from Grenada, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Cyprus, Brazil, Israel, Dominican Republic, Spain and Argentina. Robert Skogh - Sales Manager for Swedish firm Boss Media, one of the i-Gaming Zone exhibitors – said: "The fact that i-gaming is to get an area almost double the size of last year is great news and a good barometer of the optimism experienced within the industry." Brian Morgan – Managing Director of the Cyberslotz
on-line gaming portal, which went live in August 2001, and one of the many
assured visitors to the i-Gaming Zone – said: “This part of the gambling
industry is growing at an exponential rate. There are an estimated 1,000
internet casinos, with analysts predicting the total global value, including
sports betting, to reach $3 trillion by 2015. As such it is vital that
exhibitions such as ICE respond to the changes and developments taking
place in the market.” He added: “With the ability to look at demos on the
web it could be argued that exhibitions are declining in influence, however
as a buyer I believe that there’s no substitute for seeing a range of products
from different suppliers at first hand and, as importantly, meeting face-to-face
the people that you might be
The full list of confirmed i-Gaming Zone exhibitors as of 12 December is as follows:
The Interactive Gambling, Gaming and Betting Association (iGGBA), which was formed in September 2001, will be making its first official appearance at ICE 2002. The new trade association, which is open to UK-registered organisations which have interests in games suitable for distribution via interactive channels, will be on stand 5562 and is keen to talk with all organisations or individuals with on-line interests. Nick Harding, Chairman of iGGBA, said: “In
a short period of time we have attracted 20 members including Harrods,
Gala, Sportech, Ritz and Corals. We are the only representative body recognised
by the British Casino Association and GamCare and have also established
a progressive relationship with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Casino industry dances to international beat The second ICE Ball promises to be a prestige event played out in an atmosphere in keeping with an exhibition that boasts an international attendance in excess of 64%. Not only has the Dorchester Hotel’s executive chef
Henri Brosi created a menu representing the five continents of the world,
but the entertainment comprises what’s being billed as “a unique floorshow
with acts from Africa, Asia and Australasia”. Topped off with the spicy
blend of Latin tunes from ‘Too Darn Hot’, international band STAR and The
Amongst the list of high profile sponsors of this
event are Stanley Casinos, who are sponsoring the ICE Ball brochure, with
the pre-dinner drinks reception sponsored by Grosvenor Casinos. There are
five sponsorship opportunities still available ranging in cost from £1,500
to £8,000. All proceeds from the prize draw and auction go to Sir
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills’ Adopt-A-Minefield charity, which raises
funds to clear landmines and help the survivors of explosions. Adopt-A-Minefield
is currently active in six countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia and
Vietnam. The ICE Ball Charity Committee, representative of the international
community of exhibitors and visitors, selected
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets from sbyrne@atei.co.uk,
tel +44 (0) 20 7713 0302, fax +44 (0) 20 7713 7454.
Casino professionals click on The ICE website, www.ice-london.co.uk is proving a ‘hit’ with internet and casino professionals alike. A recipient of the International Association of Webmasters and Designers coveted Golden Web Award, the site is being used extensively by those working in the gambling and gaming sectors. The total number of weekly hits for ATE’s suite of
show sites is in excess of 375,000 from 7,000 users. www.ice-london.co.uk
provides the fastest method of registering for show tickets with nearly
70% of pre-registrations for ICE taking place on-line. The site also contains
up-to-date floor plans, exhibitor lists, pre-show information and an
Dr Kim Howells MP, the Government’s Tourism Minister, will be making a keynote address at January’s London shows. Dr Howells will be amongst a large group of national politicians expected at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Julian Graves, ATE’s Marketing & Commercial Director,
said: “The London shows represent an ideal opportunity for politicians
to see the gaming and gambling sectors at their very best.” He continued:
“Following Sir Alan Budd’s report on UK gambling legislation, the industry
is now firmly on the political agenda and I believe that we can expect
a higher
Piccadilly Line closed at Earls Court Complex maintenance work taking place on the London Underground system means that the Piccadilly Line will not be stopping at Earls Court station for the duration of the London show. The programme of repairs, which started in November, will not be completed until the end of March 2002. Visitors to ICE are advised to change onto the District Line at either Hammersmith or South Kensington. The Piccadilly Line runs from Heathrow Airport in the west, through central London including Knightsbridge and Covent Garden stations, to Cockfosters in the north. For full information on alternative routes, visit www.thetube.com
Press enquiries to
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Chief Executive of ICE organisers, ATE Ltd., Peter Rusbridge has restated
his commitment to make 2002 a spectacular event for the industry, despite
the understandable turmoil following September 11th and subsequent world
events.
